Do you need a liquid component of your recipe or formula to be thicker and more viscous? Thickeners can help you achieve the perfect consistency for a wide range of products from sauces and gravies to paints, cosmetics and industrial compounds.
What Is A Thickener?
A thickener is any additive that you incorporate into a liquid to increase its viscosity and density without significantly changing its other properties. Different types of thickeners work by various mechanisms including absorption, physical entanglement and chemical reaction.
Common Thickeners
Some Of The Most Common Types Of Thickeners Include:
- Starches: Flour, cornstarch and tapioca starch are inexpensive, easy to find thickeners that work by absorbing liquid and swelling. They are great for gravies, sauces and soups.
- Gums: Xanthan gum, guar gum and cellulose gums thicken by entangling on a molecular level. They provide stability and are useful for clear liquids like dressings.
- China Thickner: Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a plant-derived thickener produced in China. It is odorless, tasteless and effective for a wide pH range.
- Alginates: Derived from seaweed, alginates thicken through absorption and gel formation. They are often used in industrial applications.
More Advantages Of Thickeners From China Thickeners Manufacturer
- Some thickeners only provide temporary thickening and the viscosity reduces over time. Others provide more permanent thickening.
- Thickeners are used to stabilize liquids and prevent separation or stratification of components. This is important for emulsions, suspensions and other multi-phase liquids.
- Higher thickener concentrations result in higher viscosities, but can also negatively impact properties like clarity, stability and taste.
- Concentrations needed to achieve thickening depend on the specific thickener, liquid being thickened and desired viscosity. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 5% of the total liquid weight.
- Protein-based thickeners like gelatin and certain starches can provide heat-reversible thickening. The viscosity decreases with heating and increases again when cooled.
Choosing The Right Thickener By China Thickeners Manufacturer
When selecting a thickener for your formulation, consider factors like cost, desired consistency, pH tolerance, taste, clarity and stability. Try small test batches to determine the right concentration for your needs.
